Question

If pH of solution of NaOH is 12.0 the pH of H2 SO4 solution of same molarity will be?

(a) 2.0

(b) 12.0

(c) 1.7

(d) 10.0387

The question was asked at a job interview.

The origin of the question is Ionization of Water, Weak acids and Weak Bases in division Water Basics of Biochemistry

Answer 1

Right answer is (c) 1.7

The best I can explain: pH = 12 then pOH = 2

[OH^–] = 10^-2

Molarity of NaOH = 10^-2

For H2 SO4, molarity = 10^-2

[H^+] = 2 × 10^-2

pH = 2 – log2 = 1.7.